6 Ways to Support the Asian Community Right Now

1. Donate

Donating is one of the simplest and most effective ways to support the Asian community. Whether it's $1 or $100, your contribution can help uplift businesses, nonprofits, and families impacted by violence. Here are a few organizations where you can make a difference:

• Welcome To Chinatown: Supports small businesses and community leaders in NYC's Chinatown.
• Stop AAPI Hate: Tracks hate crimes against the Asian community and advocates for policy changes.
• Asian Pacific Fund: Works with 80+ nonprofits on public health, education, and civic engagement in the Bay Area.
• Asian Americans Advancing Justice: Advocates for the civic and human rights of Asian Americans.
• Asian Mental Health Collective: Promotes mental health awareness in the Asian community.
• AAPI Women Lead: Fights for the rights of Asian women and girls through the #ImReady movement.
• Support Vicha Ratanapakee's Family: This fund supports the family of the 84-year-old Thai American who died after a violent attack.

2. Raise Awareness

Social media is a powerful tool for spreading awareness about the challenges faced by the Asian community. Sharing content that highlights these issues can encourage others to take action. Consider amplifying the voices of Asian creators and activists like Amanda Nguyên and Jocelyn Chung, who are advocating for change.

Remember to be mindful of how you share content. Avoid pressuring others to engage with triggering content that could affect their mental health.

3. Support Asian-Owned Businesses

Support local Asian-owned businesses that have been hit hard by both the pandemic and racist attacks. Some businesses to consider include:

• Franca: A Brooklyn-based ceramic shop with playful, modern designs.
• Rooted: An online plant shop offering rare plants and DIY potting kits.
• Nguyen Coffee Supply: A woman-owned specialty coffee business with beans sourced from Vietnam.
• Live Tinted: A beauty brand catering to all skin tones, offering products like Huestick and Unity Balm Gloss.

4. Volunteer Your Time

Volunteering is another way to support the Asian community. For instance, in Oakland, Compassion in Oakland was created to help accompany elderly Asian residents on walks for their safety. If you're not in the area, consider supporting a local organization or one of the nonprofits mentioned above.

5. Create an Open Dialogue

Start discussions with your family, friends, or coworkers about the current injustices facing the Asian community. These conversations should be safe spaces for reflecting on racism, privilege, and microaggressions. Ask questions like, "What do you think about what's happening to the Asian community?" or "How can we better support mental health?"

Use these dialogues to share resources and tools that can help everyone become more informed and involved.

6. Report Incidents

If you witness or experience a hate crime or discriminatory act, report it through organizations like Stop AAPI Hate. This organization tracks anti-Asian hate crimes and works toward enacting policies to prevent further incidents. Additionally, don't hesitate to speak up or seek help when you see someone being discriminated against.

Sometimes sharing isn't enough—use your voice and take action.

7. Educate Yourself

Educating yourself on the history and experiences of Asian Americans can provide a deeper understanding of systemic racism and discrimination. Here's a list of documentaries and podcasts to get started:

• Asian Americans: A five-hour PBS series on the history of Asian Americans.
• Ulam: Main Dish: A documentary exploring Filipino cuisine in America.
• Deported: A docuseries on immigration and the AAPI community.
• Dear Asian Americans: A podcast where host Jerry Won interviews Asian Americans from diverse fields.
• Asian Enough: A podcast featuring conversations with Asian celebrities and politicians about identity and experiences.

Lastly, don't rely on members of the Asian community to educate you unless they are comfortable sharing their stories. These resources are a good starting point for self-education.